schnizzle

I think the UK is definitely on the map when it comes to wind tunnel facilities at the moment and well worth the journey if you're looking for tunnel camps - I'm biased of course being English. I spend a fair bit of time at Airkix and I hear they're working on a real strong programme of tunnel camps for 2007 in both FS and FF. Worth remembering that the current 4-way world champs (Team Airkix) trained there and still coach there, and I think we can expect even more world class coaches there soon to be honest. Worth keeping up with the updates on their website.

The tunnel looks pretty cool, but can anyone tell me if its fast enough for genuine freefly? Having looked at the video, the guys that clearly have experience look as though they are presenting an awful lot of surface area to the wind to maintain lift in freefly positions. How is it for serious head down and what about 4-way? Is it in the same 'power and speed' class as the likes of Colorado, New Hampshire, Airkix, Arizona etc?????

Turbines, what turbines - that would be far more interesting than the standard electric motors these guys are using. Hang on, why don't we just go straight into jet propulsion for tunnels?! BTW, from what I heard it was one of those 'tunnel owners' who not only dreamt up the idea of ironing boards and guitars, but he then went and took the piccies as well. These guys are so irresponsible. As you suggest, if that can get a guitar or ironing board through those tiny spaces into the motors, they could ruin the fun for all of us. Come on guys, keep it sensible, avoid all potential opportunity of doing something different for a laugh and grow up. And to all us jumpers, just stay on the ground, we could damage ourseves up there. Happy Christmas

I hear the Avalore tunnel camps are shaping up real nicely. They are running what's known as 'hybrid' camps so you pay a set fee and they'll coach you in the tunnel and in the sky - so your freefall skills are sure to improve. Seems to make sense to economise by training in the tunnel with good coaches, then translate those skills to the sky with the very same coaches! Worth a look for sure!

On a recent visit to Airkix MK, I was chatting to some of the instructors and they were telling me about some of the crazy flying they've been doing recently. From what they were saying, if it's safe enough, they'll fly just about anyone and anything. They were extreme ironing last week, and now they're playing "Air Guitar". I got hold of this one on bodyflight.net. Pretty cool eh? www.bodyflight.net Incidentally, aside from flying peculiar objects in their tunnel, the instructors there deserve a big pat on the back for the way they looked after our group. There was a mix of skydivers and whuffos (including kids) in our session and we were so well looked after. Everyone in the group was buzzing when it all ended! If you haven't been, you should defo make the effort! Thanks Guys!

If anyone's familiar with extreme ironing, it would appear the guys at Airkix MK have decided to 'step up' and show the world how its done! No pun intended, but this link should make you 'crease up' laughing!!! Well, I did anyway! Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDteFysAWTA I just wonder what they'll be doing next!!